Film Diary APRIL 09

April had its diverse share of movies. Biggest disappointment: ADVENTURELAND. A movie that wants so badly to be profound, but in the end, the experiences faced by the main character and his ultimately loser friends, aren't any different than anyone else's experiences. ADVENTURELAND wants to be ALMOST FAMOUS, but isn't. Again -- ADVENTURELAND wants to be ALMOST FAMOUS, but isn't. Second biggest disappointment: OBSERVE AND REPORT. Starts out using its strengths at hand (Seth Rogen’s rubber face and mediocre- at-best life view), but then takes some of the strangest twists along the way--fighting with the cops in the mall for instance--that it makes you question the sensibilities of the filmmakers. Are we trying to expel some personal demons, or does he think that's what people think is funny? There is, though, a reason to watch this movie: the performance by Collette Wolfe. Intense, electric, mesmerizing. When she cries, she makes you want to cry. Biggest surprise of the month: 17 AGAIN. Intelligent, good acting, good storyline, well written. Who knew Zac Efron had it in him? If he can break the Disney mold, he could become a real actor.